St Columban’s secure the Ulster Junior Shield

Junior Shield Final

St Columban’s Kilkeel 4-5 St Benedict’s Randalstown 0-2 A strong second half performance saw St Columban’s Kilkeel take the Junior Shield final yesterday in Armagh and book their place in the All-Ireland series in February.

There was really little between the sides after the opening half-hour and that was reflected in a 0-2 to 0-1 lead for St Columban’s at the switch-over.

In fact St Benedict’s probably had more of the ball during the half with point-scorer Aine Devlin, Grainne McAtamney, Paige Flood, Gabrielle McCann and Ciara Bradley in good form.

However they found goalie Beth Colgan and full-back Cliodhna Rooney a real obstacle to scores.

Then in the second half Nicole Farrell’s opening goal gave Kilkeel the confidence to take control and they powered home with Lauren Clarke starring well supported by Megan Sloan and Jemma Grant.

Lauren came through from centre-half back to claim 1-4, while full-forward Nicole Farrell eventually finished up with 3 goals.

St Columban’s : Beth Colgan, Shannon Smith, Cliodhna Rooney, Aimee Rooney, Shorlagh Harper, Lauren Clarke 1-4, Danielle Corrigan, Jemma Grant, Patrice Matthews, Catherine Rooney, Megan Sloan 0-1, Colleen Rafferty, Rhiannon Rooney, Nicole Farrell 3-0, Hayley Mills.

Subs : Megan Turner for H Mills, Keeva Rooney for R Rooney, Aoife O’Hare, Nicole Donnell, Sinead Cunningham.

St Benedict’s : Shauneen Byrne, Kathryn McCloskey, Gabrielle McCann, Catherine Maybin, Maire McCann, Caroline Quinn, Ciara Bradley, Aine Devlin 0-2, Grainne McAtamney, Bronagh Devlin, Grainne Gribben, Caitlin McAreevey, Sarah O’Boyle, Paige Floyd, Beverley Graffin.

Sub : Shauna Conway for K McCloskey

St Columban’s captain Megan Sloan receiving the Ulster Junior Camogie Shield from Sr Mairead, Secretary of Ulster Colleges’ Council.